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Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 11/14/2006


Question
what are the treatments and symptoms for/of hiv/aids?

Answer
To be honest, there are many answers to your questions because it varies from person to person:

Symptoms- some people experience flu-like symptoms around the time of infection, but others do not. Most people take years to develop HIV-related symptoms because it takes that long for the virus to weaken the body's immune system. Once that happens, people are susceptible to various cancers, TB, and other infections. It just depends on the person and what illnesses they come in contact with.

As for treatment, some people can handle HIV treatments better than others. It is a very rigorous protocol with people taking 20-30 pills a day. HIV specialists must tailor the treatment to fit the needs of the patient but today there are more options and better treatments available to people living with HIV.

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Volunteer

Kristen Brannock, MPH

Expertise

I can answer questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.

Experience

I trained with the Red Cross to become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college. I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.

Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health Health Behavior and Health Education UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health (formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)

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